About 4-H

Snapshot Info:

  • 4-H Enrollment runs from September 1 to August 31.
  • A PDF icon4-H Enrollment Form must be completed each year and returned to the Extension Office in September for continued enrollment.
  • We have several groups for kids of all ages. Group information can be found on the menu to the left.
  • We also encourage adults to volunteer with our groups. If you are interested, please click here to find out more.
  • Information about cross-county rules (pdf) can be found here.

4-H Circles

What is 4-H?

4-H Youth Development is part of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education for the entire family. Extension agents and volunteers take the results of university research and explain it in such a way that different age groups can learn and apply the information to their own lives. 

4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4-H which represent the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs.

  • Head - Managing, Thinking
  • Heart - Relating, Caring
  • Hands - Giving, Working
  • Health - Being, Living

How does 4-H benefit youth?

4-H'ers, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, race or gender, benefit from their participation in Kentucky 4-H. Positive youth development studies have affirmed that compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are about:

  • Four times more likely to contribute to their communities. 
  • Two times more likely to be civically active.
  • Two times more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices.
  • Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time.
  • 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities. 

Where can parents find more information about 4-H?

4-H Programs exist in all 120 counties through the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Service. For more information, click here.